2025 Trial School Symposium
Prepare to elevate your trial skills at the 2025 Trial School Symposium—an exclusive, immersive three-day event designed for plaintiff’s attorneys. This year’s program provides in-depth training on cross-examination and final arguments, equipping you with the tools needed to succeed in the courtroom.
Elevate Your Trial Skills
Through interactive case studies, hands-on workshops, and expert-led sessions, participants will sharpen their advocacy techniques, develop compelling case strategies, and refine their courtroom presence. Gain insights from top trial lawyers and apply proven methods used in high-stakes litigation.
Reserve your place at this exclusive event to earn essential CLE credits and gain cutting-edge trial insights. Half and full scholarships available—nobody will be turned away for lack of ability to pay.
- Hands-on workshops: cross-examination, final arguments, voir dire, and more
- Interactive case studies from high-stakes litigation
- Faculty feedback you can apply immediately
- Proven strategies that move the needle at trial
- Network with 300+ plaintiff lawyers and experts
- Earn essential CLE credits
- Exclusive to approved Trial School members
- Half & full scholarships available
- Nobody turned away for lack of ability to pay
Agenda
Breakfast & Registration
Morning Lecture Topics (9:00 – 11:00 AM)
- Cross Examination Rules for All Cases — Mike Kelly
- Using AI in Planning Cross Examinations — Randy Hood
- Cross Examination of Medical Witnesses — Jane Paulson
- Impeachment and Exhibits on Cross — Sarah King
Large Group Drill (11:15 AM – 12:30 PM) — Ben Rubinowitz
- Storytelling through cross
- Impeachment by prior inconsistent statements
- Establishing bias, interest, and motive
- Highlighting lack of knowledge, preparation, inadequate foundation
- Finding nuggets for closing argument
Lunch (12:30 – 1:30 PM)
Afternoon Workshops (1:30 – 5:00 PM)
Participants conduct cross-examinations of expert and fact witnesses (medical examiners, safety managers, reconstruction experts, economists, and more) with faculty critique, feedback, and re-do opportunities.
Reflections & Recap (5:00 – 5:30 PM)
Opening Night Reception — Park Hyatt Chicago, NoMI (7th Floor) at 6:00 PM
Breakfast & Registration (8:00 – 9:00 AM)
Morning Lectures (9:00 – 12:30 PM)
Using AI Tools to Maximize Results in PI Cases — Randy Hood
- Case Intake
- Complaint Drafting
- Paper Discovery
- Deposition Planning
- Voir Dire
- Focus Groups
- Deposition Outlines
Small Group Workshop II (10:45 AM – 12:00 PM)
Participants present mini-summations on discreet issues from their own cases, with faculty critiques, demonstrations, and re-do opportunities. Topics include liability theories, burden of proof, analogies & metaphors, demonstratives, specific jury instructions, undermining defenses, economic & general damages, future harm, present cash value, credibility of experts, and rebuttal.
Breakfast (8:00 – 9:00 AM)
Small Group Workshop Part I (9:00 – 10:30 AM)
Participants present mini-summations on discreet issues from their own cases, focusing on:
- Liability (negligence, strict liability, standard of care, design defect, landowner liability/premises defects)
- Burden of Proof
- Using Analogies & Metaphors
- Demonstrative Evidence
- Specific Jury Instructions
- Undermining Defenses
- Economic & General Damages
- Future Harm & Present Cash Value
- Asking for a Verdict Amount
- Credibility of Witnesses/Experts
Lunch (12:30 – 1:30 PM)
Afternoon Lectures & Demonstrations (1:30 – 3:15 PM)
- Empowering Jurors — Mike Kelly
- Anchors That Stick — Tim Semelroth
- Asking for Money — Andrew Finkelstein
- Final Argument Demonstration — John Uustal
Afternoon Workshops (3:30 – 5:00 PM)
Participants present mini-summations on discreet issues from their own cases (same focus areas as above), with faculty critiques, demonstrations, and re-do opportunities.
Reflections & Recap (5:00 – 5:30 PM)
Note: Agenda subject to change.
What Past Attendees Say
“The Symposium was the best CLE I’ve attended in 33 years of practice.”
“I’ve been practicing for 40 years, and this is one of the few seminars where I actually learn something valuable.”
“Unparalleled quality of education compared to any organization I’ve participated in.”
Stay at the Park Hyatt Chicago
Premium rooms in the heart of Chicago—steps from the venue.
Book by October 16, 2025 to secure the discounted rate. Call (312) 335-1234 and mention the Trial School Group Block (Group Code: G-TSCH), or reserve online.
Discounted rooms are first-come, first-served and sell out quickly.
Eligibility
The Symposium is exclusively for approved Trial School members (civil plaintiff representation or criminal defense).
Cancellation Policy
Full refunds through October 18, 2025. After that date, fees are non-refundable but may be transferred to a future event.
Substitutions are permitted at any time, including Day 1 of the Symposium.
Questions & Scholarships
Email admin@trialschool.org.
Half and full scholarships available. Nobody will be turned away for lack of ability to pay.
Join Us in Chicago • Nov 7–9, 2025
An immersive three-day event with hands-on training, real case labs, and a community of plaintiff lawyers leveling up—together.